Use of elemental and functional group analysis for monitoring compositional changes occurring on air blowing and accelerated weathering of a natural asphalt

Abstract

The composition of a natural asphalt was examined using elemental analysis, functional group analysis and infrared spectrophotometry. Changes in composition resulting from air blowing and accelerated weathering were studied. The natural asphalt was found to have a composition that more closely resembles blown than straight-run petroleum asphalts. The heteroatom content, degree of unsaturation and functional group composition were found to be related to asphalt durability.